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19
May
Developer reduces number of homes at major Knaresborough housing site
A developer has submitted revised plans at a major housing site in Knaresborough, which would see the number of homes built reduced.
The plans, put forward by Haines Phillips Architects on behalf of landowner Geoffrey Holland, would see the homes built on Water Lane in the town.
Previous proposals tabled in August 2023 proposed 138 houses on the site — however this has now been reduced to 110.
The scheme is expected to see a mixture of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes.
In documents submitted to North Yorkshire Council, the developer said the figure was reached after “dialogue” with the council.
It said:
Following the consultation period further comments were received from Harrogate District Council, subsequently North Yorkshire Council. These primarily focused on incorporation of minimum garden size standards, increased parking bay width standards, and removal of all single aspect houses and apartment blocks.
It was however helpfully agreed that rather than withdrawal of the application further revisions would be developed via dialogue. This dialogue has now led to the current substitution of the further revised 110-unit proposal.
It added that the scheme “does not adversely impact upon other residents or existing neighbours, nor upon the site of special scientific interest”.
Hay-a-Park Gravel Pits is the site of special scientific interest located close to the proposed development.
The site has been subject of multiple proposals for new homes, which the Stray Ferret has covered extensively.
A proposal for 170 homes on the site was rejected by Harrogate Borough Council in August 2021.
The scheme layout for the Water Lane site.
An appeal over that decision was unsuccessful, with the government's planning inspector saying the plans would have caused "significant harm" to the surrounding area.
Meanwhile, fresh plans for 138 homes submitted in August 2023 were met with opposition from local residents, Knaresborough Town Council and former Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative MP, Andrew Jones.
A petition started by Andy Bell, a Liberal Democrat town councillor whose ward includes the proposed development, attracted more than 500 signatures.
North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the latest plans at a later date.
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